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SB 446

Recreation: state parks; vehicles with a municipal license plate; allow to enter a park without a recreation passport. Amends secs. 74116 & 78119 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.74116 & 324.78119).

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ed McBroom

Michigan bill exempts municipal license plate vehicles from state park recreation passport fees, potentially reducing park revenue and clarifying government vehicle access policies.

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES AND AGRICULTURE
#recreation:stateparks
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Bill Summary · SB 446

Legislative bill overview

SB 446 would amend Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to allow vehicles displaying municipal license plates to enter state parks without purchasing a recreation passport. The bill modifies sections 74116 and 78119 of the 1994 PA 451 statute that govern state park access requirements.

Why is this important

State parks generate substantial revenue through recreation passport fees, which fund park maintenance and operations. This exemption could reduce that revenue while providing cost savings to municipal employees or officials who use state parks. The fiscal impact on park operations and whether this creates equity issues between municipal and private vehicle owners are key practical considerations.

Potential points of contention

  • Revenue impact: Removing passport requirements for an undefined class of municipal vehicles could significantly reduce state park funding, with unclear offsets
  • Definition and scope: "Municipal license plate" is ambiguous—does it cover all government vehicles, only certain departments, or specific employee categories, and could this be exploited?
  • Equity concerns: Exempting one class of users while charging others may raise fairness questions about who subsidizes park maintenance

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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